Tag: loft conversion

Advice Center, Loft Conversion

Everything To Know About Fire Safety For A Loft Conversion

15th December 20210

When converting existing roof space into a room the provision for escape needs to be considered throughout the full extent of the escape route. The protection of life in the event of a fire is extremely important and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  

Fire detection and alarm systems –  

Where new rooms are provided above the ground floor level, fire alarm systems should be installed as they can significantly increase the level of safety, by giving an early warning of fire. 

It is essential that the fire alarms are properly designed, installed, and maintained.  

Important notes –  

  • Smoke alarms should be positioned in the circulation spaces within 7.5 m of every room.  
  • No bedroom door should be further than 3 m from the nearest smoke alarm.  
  • There should be at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property. 
  • Smoke alarms should not be fixed next to or directly above heaters or air conditioners.  
  • They should also not be placed over stairs or any opening between floors. 

Ways to escape if there was a fire –  

The main escape route from your loft conversion would normally be the hallway and staircase of your home. Therefore. This route needs to be protected as much as possible and offer at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. 

How this can be achieved –  

  • All the doors that lead off from the staircase will need to be upgraded to give fire resistance or be placed with fire doors.  
  • If your stairs lead to an open plan area, they will either need to be enclosed with partition walls, to keep the escape route protected. Or, you will need to install a sprinkler system in the open plan area. 
  • You may need to upgrade the fireproofing on your ceiling below the new loft conversion. 

The main fire-resistant materials that are used are timber stud partitions and metal frame partitions. With these materials, the potential fire will be delayed for around 30 minutes.  

You will also need an escape window; this window would need to be no higher than 1.1 m above the floor and 459 x 450 mm in size. This is because you need a large enough space to escape out of in case of an emergency.  

Alternative escape routes –  

Often people who want to take extra safety measures feel more comfortable if there is an alternative exit. The best way to include this is by adding an external staircase leading to the loft conversion. Although, you would need to make sure that the external door is also fire resistant and the outside stairs should be protected from weather conditions.  

Do I Need Fire Doors If I Have A Loft Conversion - OakwoodLoft

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Architecture & Building, Loft Conversion

What Type Of Loft Conversion Is Best For Your Home

7th December 20210

Hip to gable dormer –  

Firstly, hip to gable loft conversions is mostly found on semi-detached properties with an existing hipped roof. It is where the side of the roof is removed off of the sidewall, to maximise the internal head height. Hip to gables is slightly more expensive than a standard dormer conversion, they normally cost 20% more. However, they are the most popular way to convert your loft.  

Cost of project: £40,000 – £65,000 

hip-to-gable-loft-conversion-loft-extension - APT Renovation - Property Design & Build - Building contractors - Balham SW12 London

Mansard – 

Mansard loft conversions are typically built at the rear of the house, allowing you to gain additional space in the loft area. However, these conversions usually require roof alterations, which means you would need planning permission.  

Cost of project: £45,000 – £70,000 

Side dormer loft conversion –  

A side dormer is when the hipped roof on the side of the property is built off the sidewall to incorporate additional head height. The side dormer can be built with a flat or pitched roof. If the property is detached, you sometimes can maximise space by constructing a side dormer on both sides of the roof.  

Cost of project: £30,000 – £45,000 

Dormer Loft Conversions | Abbey Partnership

Piggyback loft conversion –  

A piggyback loft conversion is formed by raising the existing perimeter walls in brickwork and pitching a new roof, which is stepped back from the front elevation of the property. By raising the bricks and pitching a new roof a large amount of head height is gained, as well as more living space.  

Piggyback Loft Conversion | Learn More About a Piggyback Conversion

Velux –  

A Velux loft conversion is when the shape of the existing roof is retained and Velux windows are installed into the rafters. The rafters will have to be cut depending on the size of the new windows. The inside of the roof space is fitted out to a carefully thought-out design. You will generally not require planning permission to install a Velux window in a loft conversion.   

Cost of project: £20,000 – £30,000 

Velux Conversion - Loft Conversions North West

Pitched dormers –  

A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof. In addition, they are commonly used to increase the useable space in a loft and to create window openings.  

Cost of project: £30,000 – £45,000 

Pitched Dormer Loft Conversions | What is a Pitched Dormer Conversion?

L shape dormer –  

Finally, an L-shaped dormer conversion is where two dormer builds are constructed in a way that they join together. Usually, one dormer will be built on the rear outrigger roof and the other on the main roof, which gives it the L shape.  

Cost of project: £50,000 – £60,000 

How to plan your loft conversion | Top tips and expert advice | Ideal Home
Loft Conversion

Loft Conversion: The first Steps you need to know

11th August 20210

Are you thinking of having a loft conversion, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’re uncertain about how much it is going to cost? Simple. Here, we can offer you a guide into loft conversions, explaining exactly how they work.

What Does a Loft Conversion Entail?

When it comes to loft conversions, there are a lot of complex tasks for you to consider. If you hire a contractor who can bring all their laborers and tradesmen together on time, everything should run smoothly. (Weather permitting!)

The first steps

The first task you will face involves scaffolding. When it comes to the materials you’ll need, they should be assembled on-site. It is important to note that during the first week, the roof will be in an open, exposed condition. If the roof structure has changed by the second week, this will be the next step of your project.

In this case, extra support will be brought in by the contractor, if necessary. If you are going for a roof light conversion, now is the time for the windows to be fitted. Also, if your project is a dormer conversion, this is when the dormers themselves should be built.

During the third week, the external work on your property will be completed. Furthermore, any construction work on the roof should be finished. This will allow the tiles to be fully replaced and finished. The fitting of roof insulation will also be arranged during this period.

Inside the conversion

When it comes to inside space, the loft will now be ready for any electrical work or plumbing. As you enter the fourth week of construction, any windows that haven’t already been fitted will be. In addition to this, the floor will be laid with any needed ventilation. The plasterboard will also be suited, and any internal walls that have yet to be built will be raised.

The fifth week will mainly involve fitting in the staircase. If you are considering featuring any bathrooms, now would be the opportunity for them to go in. Week number five should also involve the completion of any major electrical works. This will involve the hanging of doors, the skimming of plaster, and the fastening of skirting. For the sixth and final week, any unfinished tasks will be attended to. If your contractor is due to finish decorating duties, they will make sure these are completed during this time.

And that’s that! It is important to note that this is only an IDEAL schedule. This represents the minimum length of time for each stage of construction. If your project is more customised or self-driven, it is likely that the process will take longer.

How Much Will It Cost Cost?

Depending on the options open to you, you will find that loft conversion prices vary. This is due to the large-scale nature of the project. The main decider for the price tag is what type of conversion you want to have. On average, a Velux Loft Conversion will generally fall between £10,000 and £20,000. If you’re looking for a conversion with a dormer window, these will cost anywhere from £30,000 to £60,000.

One of the more expensive choices is a Mansard Loft Conversion. These are used for additional living space, whether in the form of a playroom, study, extra bedroom, office, or lounge. This type of conversion will transform the entire shape of your roof, with costs coming in between £40,000 and £70,000.

With any loft conversion, the bigger and better you get, the more costly your project will be. In order to keep your final vision in tune with the price, you must establish a budget early on. Moreover, planning each stage of the construction thoroughly before work has commenced will prove extremely beneficial.

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